Blog

6 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet

The reasons to spay or neuter a pet are many, and in most cases, the benefits far outweigh the risk. Yet there are still some pet owners that are not sure whether the simple, routine procedure is something that is right for their animal companion. Some hold on to the idea of breeding, while others feel keeping an animal “intact” is more humane. Still others are worried about the risks involved in surgery. Below, a Rosedale veterinarian shares 6 reasons why you absolutely should consider having your pet spayed or neutered.

Your pet will live a longer, healthier life. Because spaying and neutering reduces the risk of a variety of dangerous and life-threatening diseases, such as cancer, having the procedure done on your pet can actually improve his or her quality and length of life.

Your pet will behave better. Spayed females won’t go into heat, which means they won’t be crying out or trying desperately to get outside. Likewise, neutered males won’t exhibit the unwanted behaviors of spraying (in cats) or humping (in dogs), and their urge to roam will be diminished.

You won’t end up with unwanted litters. As cute as a new bunch of puppies or kittens can be, finding them new homes can be a hassle. And with shelters at their absolute maximum, there aren’t many choices when it comes to what to do with unwanted litters. You can avoid this risk altogether by having your pet spayed or neutered.

You’ll save money in the long run. Not only is caring for kittens or puppies costly, but the potential illnesses and diseases that your pet could develop if not spayed or neutered can become quite an expense. By working with your Rosedale veterinarian and having this simple, affordable procedure done, you’ll more than make up for the investment in the long run.

Your pet will NOT become overweight. This is a common myth that makes many pet owners weary of having the surgery done. As long as you continue to work with your Rosedale veterinarian to ensure that your pet is receiving a proper diet and adequate exercise, he or she should remain just as fit and healthy after the surgery as before.

It’s a safe, routine procedure. The thought of surgery can seem frightening to any pet owner, but rest assured that the procedure your Rosedale veterinarian uses to spay or neuter an animal is routine and quite safe.

Having your pet spayed or neutered isn’t just a way to prevent overpopulation – it’s something that can have long term health benefits for your animal companion as well as financial benefits for you. If you’re still not sure, discuss your concerns with your Rosedale veterinarian. He or she can put your mind at ease and go over your options in greater detail to come up with the best plan for your particular pet.